Brooke is the definition of effortless cool, and just being in her company can inspire you to be a better and more creative version of yourself. She's combining her artistic skill and her insightful way to paint a better future for young creatives and we're here for it. This talented musician, mother and mentor is currently a Studio Art Major who's also gaining her Education Certification. Gen Alpha better get ready to be instructed by a truly beautiful soul. 

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84: How’s school going? 

Brooke: School has been stimulating academically but challenging time wise. Being in school when you are 40 is different than being in school fresh out of high school. You have more life responsibilities to balance. All in all, however, I have enjoyed learning new things.  

84: What motivated you to choose your major? 

Brooke: As a Studio Art major with an additional education certification. I have always loved art and wished that I would have been more encouraged in my youth to pursue a career in the arts. As a future art educator, I hope to inspire and motivate kids who are artistically inclined to pursue their artistic passions. Teachers are some of the best people who can do this.

84: You're absolutely right about that. You’ve always been a really talented artist, has going to school impacted your creative process in any way? 

Brooke: Before art school I was just self-taught so I lacked knowledge on many principles and techniques. I feel that I'm gaining a better understanding of both of those right now. This has only helped to change my work for the better. I feel like I am just getting started and am excited to see where the skills I am gaining will take me. So far, I’ve really been inspired by watercolor which was a bit foreign to me before. Watercolor has gotten me thinking more about doing illustration. As I continue to take more studio courses, I’m sure it will impact my artistic direction.  

84: That's exciting! Do you currently have a favorite medium? 

Brooke: Right now, I am loving watercolor and gouache. I enjoy the depth you get from all the layering that has to be done. I have explored oil on my own but haven’t taken a studio art class in oil painting yet. I am curious to where that will take me artistically once I learn more in-depth technique. Oil paint has the ability to make art seem ultrarealistic. I am wondering if I will be able to master that. 

84: Without a doubt you will. So with that in mind, what are you looking forward to sharing with your future students? 

Brooke: Oddly enough it has nothing to do with technique. I hope to share 2 things mainly. I want to help them foster confidence in themselves as artists. Too many people, young and old think they aren’t good enough. I hope to teach them that what is important is that they are using their own authentic artistic voice and to own it.  

Secondly, I want to share with them how therapeutic art can be. We live in a very high anxiety high stress reality right now. We need self-care now more than ever. I’d like to teach that part of self-care can include artistic expression. Being able to express yourself freely is a real stress reliever. 

84: Art and self-care, I might need to sign up for your class too! Now If I remember correctly, you’ve expressed your art through music as well. Does music play a part in your creative process today?  

Brooke: Music is another one of those arts that are highly therapeutic while also inspiring creativity. I recognized this early on in life so I usually always have music playing in the background while I’m creating. Jazz is my favorite genre to listen to while creating. I love listening to everyone from John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk to Thundercat and Khruangbin. Music helps put me in that creative zone.  

84: Your parents and brother are also super talented. How did they encourage/inspire you in your younger years? 

Brooke: My brother was always encouraging to me artistically in every way. He would buy me art supplies and have me do commissioned works for him. He really believed in me and pushed me to pursue my passions. He is also very artistically talented in film, photography, and music. He has always been my biggest source of inspiration artistically. I am so grateful for his influence.

84: That's beautiful, nothing like that family support. Is your son creative also? 

Brooke: My son is a great builder/engineer. He likes to design buildings. I am interested to see how that translates into his adult life. He also enjoys painting. He likes making abstract pieces and seems to have a good sense of color. He is better at making abstract paintings than I am. I think he has a natural ability for it which is cool. 

84: That is cool, might have a future architect there! I'd love to ask, how have your travel experiences inspired your work? 

Brooke: I can’t say my travel experiences have inspired my work. I can say that my travel experiences have shaped who am as a person, however. So, if I am being true to myself in my art, it will automatically reflect who I am and where I’ve been.

84: I get that, love that perspective. Is there anywhere else would you like to visit?  

Brooke: I always wanted to visit Morocco. I love the architecture and design aesthetic of the early Moors. I think if I ever was fortunate enough to visit, I would be truly inspired by all the patterns and designs seen there.

84: I might have to join you for that trip, Morocco's a dream destination. Before we close, any words of wisdom you’d like to pass along? 

Brooke: My words of wisdom are to pursue your passion regardless of your age or the season of your life.  

Check out some of Brooke's original pieces below using a variety of mediums. Keep up with her creative pursuits on Instagram @brookeart5